ASE L1: Understanding Scan Tool Modes
Section B, Item 8 of the ASE L1 certification task list states:
“Interpret OBD II scan tool data stream, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), freeze-frame data, system monitors, monitor readiness indicators, and trip and drive cycle information to determine system condition and verify repair effectiveness.” What ASE is talking about are the modes of OBD II scan tool protocol. Modes are usually denoted by a dollar sign and a two-digit number.
TECH TIP: Using a Five-Gas Analyzer to Diagnose Catalytic Converters
One of the most effective ways to resolve emissions issues is by sampling the exhaust gases with a five-gas analyzer. Levels of the five gases can indicate the root cause of the problem.
Diagnosing Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR)
Exhaust gas recirculation is the dilution of the air/fuel mixture to control amounts of exhaust gas. Since exhaust gas does not burn, this lowers the combustion temperatures and reduces NOx emissions from the engine. At lower combustion temperatures, very little of the nitrogen in the air combines with oxygen to form NOx. Most of the nitrogen is simply carried out with the exhaust gases.
Tech Tip: White Smoke Blowing From Tailpipe?
A classic sign of a head gasket problem is when the vehicle is blowing white smoke from the tailpipe. This indicates that water/coolant is entering the combustion chamber and is then burnt off as steam through the exhaust. The white “smoke” is water vapor as the steam condenses when it hits the colder atmosphere.
Dorman Products’ July New Product Announcement Features More Than 120 Parts
Dorman Products has released its July New Product Announcement, featuring 126 new parts, 55 of which are exclusive formerly “Dealer Only” Parts.
Troubleshooting Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensors
Troubleshooting mass air flow (MAF) sensor problems can become a major headache for import technicians because the failure is usually one that involves a calibration error rather than an outright electrical or mechanical failure. Because calibration errors tend to be “gray-area” types of problems, we will begin by looking at the basics of how a “hot-wire” MAF sensor measures airflow through an engine running at various speeds and loads.
Delphi Product & Service Solutions Announces 16 Oxygen Sensors Covering Almost Two Million Vehicles
Delphi Product & Service Solutions (DPSS) announces 16 new oxygen sensors covering more than 1.9 million Ford, Honda, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Cooper, GM, Nissan, BMW, Suzuki and Mazda vehicles from 2004 to present.
Catalytic Converters: Replacement Is Changing
If your shop is not in California, the replacement of the catalytic converter is simple and typically there is only one replacement option. Most shops understand that they must replace the converter and that using a test pipe or bypassing the converter is bad for business and against the EPA regulations and could result in big fines.
Engine Series: Cummins Diesel Powers Dodge For Nearly 25 Years
When you hear the name Cummins, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Most of the time, if you have any knowledge of trucks, a Dodge truck is the first thing that comes to mind. The Cummins diesel engine has always had a great reputation for reliable diesel power. Though the Cummins diesel engine can be found in many applications, it seems to obtain most of its credit from drivers of over the road trucks.
Tech Tip: Fuel Filler Necks And Related Check Engine Light Conditions
Since the introduction of the OBD II system, manufacturers have continued to improve on the monitoring of evaporative emissions, with the complete evaporative system being under a scrutinized surveillance. Codes like P0440 to P0456 are all related to the fuel vapor control, including leaks.
Emissions Control Diagnostics Workshop Teaches Strategies For Profitable Repairs
With more than 60 events on the schedule for 2013, the Walker Emissions Control Diagnostics Workshop from Tenneco will target more than 4,000 attendees in the United States and Canada, with the aim of teaching new strategies for effectively and profitably diagnosing emissions control and drivability repairs.
Kia Tech Tip: Check Engine Light Is On
The check engine light is on and there is a mass air flow (MAF) sensor range/performance code in the system. The engine will hesitate at times. The P0101 code is more of a rationality check. The MAF sensor signal isn’t rationally making sense comparing to things like throttle position and engine rpm.